Full Professor
of Legal Medicine
Forensic Toxicology, under the jurisdiction of Massimo Montisci
Forensic toxicology is the discipline that deals with the identification and dosage of toxic substances in biological samples in various regulatory contexts (criminal, civil, administrative, sporting).
Alcohol, drugs and fitness to drive
Alcohol and drugs are substances that can have a significant impact on the ability to drive a vehicle. Alcohol can impair coordination, judgment, and reaction time, while drugs can have a variety of effects, depending on the substance. In Italy, the Highway Code prohibits and punishes driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l, while the limit for drugs is not established by law and has different limits in the different states of the European Union.
Forensic toxicology plays a key role in assessing fitness to drive in these cases, providing critical results that determine whether a person can continue to drive.
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. Alcohol can impair coordination, judgment, and reaction time, making it more difficult to drive safely. Symptoms of driving under the influence of alcohol can include:
• Red eyes
• Slow reaction time
• Difficulty concentrating
• Impaired judgment
Drugs can have a variety of effects, depending on the substance, sometimes similar to those of alcohol. Other drugs, such as marijuana, can cause confusion, paranoia, and altered perception. Drugs can increase the risk of car accidents, even at low levels of consumption.
Forensic toxicology also deals with the issue of fitness to drive. In Italy, people who have been fined for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be subjected to periodic checks to verify the presence of alcohol or drugs in their blood.
The results of the tests can be used to determine whether the person is able to drive safely. If the person is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they may be suspended from driving.
Death from toxic substances
Death from toxic and drug abuse is a major cause of death. In Italy, death from toxic and drug abuse represents approximately 2% of all deaths. In this area, forensic toxicology allows us to identify the substance or substances that caused death.